- Scientific name: Dracula orchis (Dracula Orchid)
- Common name: Dragon Orchid or also Dracula Orchid
- Origin: Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela (South of Mexico, to Peru)
- Type of orchid : Epiphyte and terrestrial
- Flowering: Summer
- Location: Low lighting, no direct sun
- Irrigation: Daily, or every other day
- Humidity: High 70% -100%
- Level of difficulty: Medium
The Dracula orchids, also known as Dragon orchids, are a group of orchids that were originally in the group of Masdevallia , which were separated in 1978 to give rise to the current group.
Currently there are some 90 different species accepted , originating in Central America and Northwest of the Andes, with a large presence in Colombia and Ecuador.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Characteristics of Dracula orchids
- 2 Care of the Dracula orchids
- 2.1 Location
- 2.2 Watering and humidity
- 2.3 Temperature
- 2.4 How to fertilize?
- 2.5 Pots suitable for Dracula orchids
- 3 Product available at Amazon.es
- 4 Buy Orchid Dracula
Characteristics of Dracula Orchid Plant
- They are epiphytic and terrestrial orchids of small size , with large and hanging flowers, which we could call unusual.
- Its flowers usually appear uniquely and have a warty texture. Another characteristic feature of the flowers of Dracula orchids is that, inside the flower, two spots appear that give the sensation of being two eyes.
There is more to say that one of its most famous varieties is the orchid Dracula simia, also called “monkey face”. - They have short and crawling rhizomes , of which short and erect buds appear, forming single-leafed, thin clusters with a characteristic well-defined central nerve.
- They lack pseudobulbs, it is the leaves that perform the task of storing nutrients.
- The flowers are very colorful, hanging mostly, although in some species they can be erect. As I have described before, they are very original and striking.
They appear solitary, although in succession, being able to offer 5 or 6 consecutive blooms.
Care of Dracula Orchid Plants
If you are the happy owner of a Dracula orchid, you are probably interested in knowing how to perpetuate it in time, which is what you must do to keep them beautiful and flourish every year .
Location
One of the most important
points for the care of any orchid is to choose its location properly.
We are talking about orchids that in their natural state are found
in humid forests. At home they need low to medium lighting.
Its ideal location would be in a window where it does
not receive sunlight directly, facing north
or east.
We can also place it in a well-lit room, but where something away
from the window, where it does not receive direct light.
If the orchid does not bloom at the time and the overall
appearance is good, you may need more light. Once you change it to a more
luminous place, keep an eye out to avoid problems due to excess light.
We would know that it has a lot of light if there are
brown or yellow spots on its leaves.
Watering and humidity
These orchids are somewhat delicate in terms of irrigation.
The ideal is to water every day in warm periods and every two days or so, in autumn-winter, when it is not so hot.
They prefer water without chlorine, they are quite sensitive to salts dissolved in water, so it is advisable to use bottled water or water treated with osmosis .
In terms of humidity, they need very high humidity, between 70% and 100%. We may need to add a humidifier, but always with the precaution that air circulation is good, so that a high humidity does not degenerate in the presence of fungi .
Temperature
They need rather cool
temperatures to be in perfect condition.
Its temperature during the day should be in the
environment of 20ºC, to go to a
range of between 12ºC and 14ºC during the night.
We must try that the temperature range does not oscillate in
excess, watching that the
temperatures are not excessively high because the orchid would not support it well, not to mention that it
can dry quickly.
How to Fertilize?
The Dracula orchid can and should be fertilized throughout the year.
The fertilizer must be specific to orchids and well balanced. Be careful to add it in the irrigation, or after watering, to avoid the accumulation of salts in the roots.
Pots suitable for orchids Dracula
These orchids will be perfect in mesh-type pots, which allow the air to circulate well between their roots … also taking the precaution that the substrate will dry very quickly and that the orchid does not have just nutrient storage organs, which implies frequent watering .
The orchid should be replanted approximately every two years, always at the beginning of spring, before the flowering begins.
Buy Dracula Orchid Plants
It is possible that after reading the article, you want to know where you could get a Dracula orchid. In stores it will not be easy, but you can buy Dracula orchid plants online.
I am Don Burke, one of the authors at My Garden Guide. I am a horticulturist that cultivates, grows, and cares for plants, ranging from shrubs and fruits to flowers. I do it in my own garden and in my nursery. I show you how to take care of your garden and how to perform garden landscaping in an easy way, step by step.I am originally from Sydney and I wrote in local magazines. Later on, I have decided, more than two decades ago, to create my own blog. My area of specialization is related to orchid care, succulent care, and the study of the substrate and the soil. Therefore, you will see many articles dedicated to these disciplines. I also provide advice about how to improve the landscape design of your garden.
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